Embracing the Supernatural with Tansy: My Thoughts on I’m with the Banned (Afterlife, #2)
It’s not every day that a sequel manages to expand a universe while making you feel right at home, but that’s precisely what I’m with the Banned by [Author’s Name] accomplishes. After devouring the first installment, The Afterlife of the Party, I was both eager and a tad anxious to see how our fierce protagonist Tansy would fare as she navigated her new supernatural responsibilities. Spoiler alert: she did not come to play, and I’m here for every thrilling moment!
At the heart of this novel is Tansy, now stepping into her formidable role as the vampire queen of California. Watching her mature and tackle this challenge was a treat—she’s blossoming into such a resilient character that you can’t help but cheer for her. In fact, I felt a deep sense of pride, almost like watching a friend grow up. Tansy is proving time and again that she would go to hell and back for her friends, which makes it all the more infuriating when they don’t reciprocate the same loyalty. Seriously, if I could jump into the book and shake some sense into Skylar and Vaughn, I absolutely would!
Speaking of Skylar, I must admit her actions caught me off guard. Given the circumstances of book one, I was ready to forgive her odd behaviors, but now? YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE, SKYLAR—NONE. Then there’s Vaughn. I almost appreciated his character growth until he repeatedly chose his friends over Tansy, leaving me feeling frustrated. I get it; responsibilities and all that jazz, but when you’ve been pining after someone, why neglect them when you have the chance?
One of the most delightful surprises was Travis, who has transformed into one of my favorite characters. His humor shines brighter, and the western vibe paired with his knack for being at the wrong place at the wrong time had me chuckling throughout. And can we talk about Hecate? A floofy hellcat who adores pies? You bet I’m embracing that kind of quirky magic!
Then there’s the ever-enigmatic wolf pack, whom I’m convinced need to embrace Tansy already—if not, I might just have to throw some fictional hands. But seriously, the lore and relationships weave beautifully, keeping me engaged page after page.
The writing itself made significant strides from the first book. The narrative flows smoothly, a refreshing change that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in Tansy’s world without interruption. It’s one of those books you can binge in a day, and I dare say it’s even more entertaining than its predecessor.
In conclusion, I’m with the Banned is perfect for fans of urban fantasy who enjoy complex characters and snappy dialogue—it’s a whirlwind of supernatural antics and emotional depth that kept me on my toes. If you loved the first book, you’re going to adore this one even more. I’m already counting down the days until we can see what shenanigans Tansy and her crew embark on next.
A huge thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. What a phenomenal return to this enchanting world!
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